TURLOCK, California (October 13, 2010) - MedicAlert Foundation celebrated the launch of its National Emergency Responder Extraordinary Meritorious Service (EMS) award by hosting a local “hometown” event in which five emergency responders were recognized for their utilization of MedicAlert’s 24/7 emergency response line during a medical event involving MedicAlert® members. The MedicAlert National Emergency Responder EMS award program will recognize Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement and Medical professionals for their service to aid MedicAlert members during emergency situations. Each month, MedicAlert Foundation will be recognizing first responders all across the country that helped MedicAlert members in a medical emergency or other time of need.

“We could think of no better way to start this program than to recognize local emergency responders who have assisted our members in a time of need,” said Andrew B. Wigglesworth, President and CEO of MedicAlert Foundation. “These individuals served our members in an exemplary manner and utilized our Emergency Response Line to help assist our members when seconds count.”

The local event honored five Stanislaus County emergency responders including three members of the Turlock Fire Department. Turlock Fire Chief Tim Lohman was also on hand to give a speech praising his fire fighters and thanking MedicAlert Foundation for their enduring collaboration in patient care. According to Chief Tim Lohman, “We as first responders can help honor Dr. Collins vision by using the MedicAlert medical ID system to the benefit of patients to continue to provide quality care that our citizens expect and deserve. On behalf of the Turlock Fire department I would like to thank the MedicAlert Foundation for their collaboration in patient care over the years.”

Award recipients included Kelly Kjelstrom of American Medical Response (Modesto, CA), Andrew McGuire of American Medical Response (Modesto, CA), David Bickle of the Turlock Fire Department (Turlock, CA), Bill Becker of the Turlock Fire Department (Turlock, CA) and Shaun Walker of the Turlock Fire Department (Turlock, CA). Shaun Walker’s award was presented from Lisa Pegueros; Lisa is the mother of a MedicAlert member who received assistance from Shaun. “Our family wanted to be at today’s event to recognize Shaun Walker and his co-workers for the love and compassion they show for others and for the concern they have always shown for our son” says Lisa. Additionally, she discussed the importance of MedicAlert and the peace of mind it provides – “no matter where our son is, we know that if something happens to him, MedicAlert will provide first responders with his medical information and call to inform us of his condition and whereabouts.”

The event featured a ceremonial march from the Turlock Police & Fire Pipe Band, an introductory welcome and presentation of awards from Andrew B. Wigglesworth, President & CEO of MedicAlert Foundation, a testimonial from Lisa Pegueros and a congratulatory speech from both Turlock Fire Chief Tim Lohman and Turlock Mayor, John Lazar. In addition to MedicAlert medallions and certificates, the award recipients received honors from the offices of Senator Dianne Feinstein, State Senator Jeff Denham, State Senator Dave Cogdill, Assemblyman Bill Berryhill, and the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors.

MedicAlert Foundation pioneered the first emergency medical information and identification service in 1956 to provide people with a simple but effective method for communicating their medical conditions. Since the organization’s founding, the Foundation has provided services and products that help to protect and save lives for its 4 million members worldwide. For more than 50 years, the nonprofit has relayed vital medical information on behalf of its members to emergency responders so they receive faster and safer treatment. MedicAlert IDs alert emergency personnel to a member’s primary health conditions. In addition to its 24-hour emergency response service, MedicAlert Foundation also provides family and caregiver notification so that members can be reunited with their families. Visit www.medicalert.org for more information.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

MedicAlert Foundation® is more than a medical ID - we are the most dependable, responsive, intelligent, and trusted emergency support network.